A Note from the Dean
Lincoln Law School exists because generations of alumni believed working adults deserve a path into the legal profession.
Every time I meet our students, I am reminded how extraordinary that commitment is. Many work full-time jobs, care for families, and still come to class in the evening because they believe the law can help them serve their communities.
This semester we saw that belief come to life when one of our students helped secure the release of detained individuals through federal habeas cases.
Moments like that remind us what Lincoln stands for.
They also remind us why the support of alumni and friends of Lincoln matters so much.
With gratitude,
Mary Fuller
Dean
Lincoln Law School of San Jose
Real Students. Real Cases. Real Impact.
Photo shows 4L Janaya Sanchez-Trotter holding the federal court order granting the first successful habeas petition obtained through Lincoln’s Federal Habeas Clinic Project.
This semester produced something remarkable at Lincoln Law School. Our students are not only studying the law. They are using it to change lives.
The Lincoln Federal Habeas Clinic Project, supervised by Carrie LeRoy, a former Big Law partner who now focuses her work on pro bono and public interest advocacy, has already achieved two meaningful federal court outcomes.
In the first case, fourth year student Janaya Sanchez‑Trotter helped secure a federal court order granting a petition for habeas corpus and directing that the petitioner be immediately released from detention.
In the second case, the court granted emergency relief requiring that the petitioner receive an individualized bond hearing rather than remain in continued detention.
For a student who attends law school in the evening while working and managing family responsibilities, participating in federal court litigation before graduation is extraordinary. It demonstrates what a Lincoln education makes possible.
Moments like these remind us that the law is not abstract. In the hands of determined students and advocates, it protects liberty, strengthens communities, and gives people a voice.
Learning from Leaders in the Profession
Sal Torres speaking during Lincoln Law School’s March 18, 2026 MCLE program, “Developing Your Professional Brand”.
Sal Torres speaking during Lincoln Law School’s March 18, 2026 MCLE program, “Developing Your Professional Brand”.
Lincoln students regularly learn from attorneys, judges, and innovators who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom.
In March, Lincoln launched a new Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) speaker series with a program featuring Sal Torres, Assistant General Counsel at SoFi, a financial technology company, certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, and former Daly City Mayor. The program brought together students, alumni, and members of the local legal community for a discussion on professional reputation, emotional intelligence, and wellness as professional competence.
After the program, Sal agreed to join Lincoln’s faculty and will teach Contracts this fall.
Arthur Rothrock discussing AI and the future of legal practice with Lincoln students.
In their Trial Practice class, taught by Pillsbury partner Patrick Hammon and Judge Estremera (not in photo), students also heard from Arthur Rothrock, founder of Legion AI. Arthur demonstrated the capabilities of Legion’s AI tools and shared insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern legal practice.
Mentorship at Lincoln
People with mentors tend to succeed and reach their goals at a higher rate than those without mentors.
This year Lincoln launched a new mentorship initiative to ensure that every student who wants a mentor is connected with a practicing attorney. Today, nearly all students are participating, and each has been matched with a mentor who offers guidance, encouragement, and practical insight into the profession.
In the fall, as the next class of Lincoln students prepares to begin their legal education, we aim to quickly match each 1L with a mentor. To achieve this important goal, additional mentors are needed.
If you might be interested in being a mentor, please write to me at dean@lincolnlawschool.edu. Even a small investment of time can make a lasting difference for a student beginning their journey into the legal profession.
Preparing the Next Class of Lincoln Lawyers
Lincoln Law School fourth year students preparing for graduation photos taken by Sunny Scott, a Stanford-affiliated photographer who volunteered her time to photograph our students.
Fourth year students are preparing for graduation, bar study, and the next stage of their professional lives.
For these students, graduation marks a turning point. The long nights of study and years of persistence are about to give way to the responsibility and privilege of practicing law. Lincoln will celebrate the Class of 2026 at its commencement ceremony on May 9th. In the months that follow, these students will sit for the bar examination and begin serving clients, businesses, and communities across California.
Capturing the Lincoln Experience
Emmy Award-winning videographer Peter Nissen is currently working with Lincoln students to produce a short documentary titled “A Day in the Life of a Lincoln Law Student.”
For most Lincoln students, the day begins well before the evening classes start. Gil Rivas, a third-year student featured in the film, often begins his day at 4:30 a.m. so he can balance work, family responsibilities, and his legal studies.
The film offers a glimpse into the lives of students who pursue a legal education while continuing to build careers, support families, and serve their communities. Like generations of Lincoln students before them, they show that with determination, support, and a strong community, it is possible to move forward toward the legal profession while continuing to live full and meaningful lives.
The documentary celebrates the resilience, ambition, and sense of community that define the Lincoln experience.
3L Lincoln student Gil Rivas and Emmy Award-winning videographer Peter Nissen during filming for the upcoming Lincoln Law School documentary.
Join us for the Lincoln Law School Open House – April 30
Members of the Lincoln community, alumni, prospective students, and friends of the school are warmly invited to join us for an Open House.
April 30 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: Lincoln Law School of San José (384 S. 2nd St., San Jose, CA)
Assemblymember Ash Kalra will open the evening. The program will include the premiere of the short documentary “A Day in the Life of a Lincoln Law Student,” opportunities to meet students and instructors, and a networking reception with light refreshments. We hope you will join us to reconnect with the Lincoln community and see the work our students and faculty are doing today at San José’s Law School™. If you know someone who may be curious about a Lincoln legal education, we encourage you to bring them as your guest.
If you plan to attend, we would appreciate it if you would register here so we can plan appropriately for the evening.
Why Your Support Matters Now
Lincoln Law School exists to open the legal profession to people whose paths might otherwise have been closed.
For more than 100 years, Lincoln has done exactly that for working adults and nontraditional students determined to serve their communities.
Our students include:
-
- Working professionals starting a second career
- First-generation law students
- Public servants and community leaders
- Small business owners
- Parents raising families while attending law school
Your support ensures this pathway remains open for the next generation of Lincoln lawyers.
Lincoln graduates go on to serve as attorneys, judges, public officials, business leaders, and community advocates throughout California.
Help Launch the Next Generation of Lincoln Lawyers
The work described above is possible because alumni and friends continue to invest in Lincoln’s mission.
Your contribution helps expand programs like the Federal Habeas Clinic Project, provide scholarships for working students, and ensure that Lincoln remains a pathway into the legal profession for motivated people throughout Silicon Valley.
Every gift directly supports the students who are preparing right now to become the next generation of Lincoln lawyers – students like those featured in this issue of The Fuller View.
Make a contribution to the Graduation Campaign:
Thank you for reading The Fuller View
